Blog Post

On my ride up the gondola with three friendly ski patrollers, I learned that the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids (aka Steamboat’s future Olympians) were speed training on Tomahawk this morning. I was, of course, instantly curious about any need for speed suits on that gently sloping superhighway of rollers. I quickly learned the wisdom of their lessons. Sugary turns on Rudi’s, High Noon, Two O’Clock and Westside proved it’s skiing hard and fast out there today. I didn’t even venture into the bumps — the groomers are just too much fun to pass up right now.

Quick turns on Two O’Clock’s smooth groom. #gopro

The kids (and the masters who were joining them) were gathering some nice speed through the gates, but I’m happy to report to the vast intermediate skiing and riding fans of the sunnyside of the mountain that you still have nothing to fear in steeps or speed on Tomahawk, Flintlock, Quickdraw or any of their Wally World brethren. This is prime terrain for solid practice.

Extraordinary turns. That’s what I see out there on our beautifully rolled runs this morning. Seriously, I see so many gorgeous turns sprouting little rooster-tail wakes all over the mountain — skiers laying down a really deep, delicious carve. Snow started softest up top today. The blazing sun will soon ripen the lower mountain’s harder snow on Heavenly Daze and Vogue.

Smooth sailing at mid-mountain. #gopro

Ski season dictates the seasonal calendar around here. In Steamboat, we have officially launched into spring. Extended hours for lift operation started yesterday. Enjoy the longer sunny, warm afternoons on the slopes. This afternoon guarantees to be gorgeous.

For those who are planning the week ahead, here’s my advice for some Steamboat moments off the skis or snowboard. Sunset happy hour returns Thursday at the top of the gondola. And some kind of crazy on-mountain downhill bike race is transpiring Friday on the slopes. If you’re brave, grab a bike. If not, grab a beer. I predict entertaining carnage will ensue.

Above all, I would be remiss if I didn’t throw my love and attention at the local dance performance shin-dig that’s happening Thursday through Saturday this week. No less than two of your StraightTalk bloggers will take the stage to dance their hearts out for Steamboat Dance Theatre.

Steamboat Dance Theatre is Steamboat’s community dance organization that has been putting on an annual concert for 44 years. The eclectic show, with everything from tap, hip-hop and modern, to belly and African dance, raises money for local dance scholarships — $20, 000 last year — and brings over 100 awesome local ski bums with a secret dance habit out of the woodwork and into the spotlight. In a town that’s home to the oldest performing arts camp west of the Mississippi, this dance concert is one of Steamboat’s favorite traditions — proof that skiers and riders make great dancers, too. And the shows definitely sell out, so plan ahead for your night of dance.

Foreshadowing our week of sparkle and flash, I rode up Sundown Express with a guy who had on his skis the blingyest Steamboat sticker I’ve ever seen. Voila: bedazzled Steamboat. I love it.